Rubber Patents (Class 267/153)
  • Patent number: 12044283
    Abstract: A damper device for providing a braking force includes a cylinder member having an inner wall, and a piston member slidably disposed in the cylinder member, the braking force being generated by movement or relative movement of the piston member. The piston member includes a seal member having an attachment base, and a lip portion extending from the attachment base and contacting the inner wall of the cylinder member, and a bending regulation portion assembled with the seal member for regulating an outer surface of the attachment base of the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Seto
  • Patent number: 11752514
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spring for a pumping-type container having a first helical part and a second helical part, and a pumping-type container including the same, and has been made to solve a problem caused by independent elastic deformation of the first helical part and the second helical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TAESUNG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Jun Cho
  • Patent number: 11691255
    Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of exemplars of torque-limiting devices, methods and mechanisms. Exemplary methods may include placing an actuator in a tool containment interface of a handle, the interface being fluidly connected to an adjustment interface and adjustable via a fixation fastener; movably mounting a tool portion with an actuation catch and a work piece engaging region (WER) in the interface; applying sufficient force to the movable mounting to the handle may be via pins, guides and slots. Said catch may be one of a body catch and a lever catch; and, the actuator terminates on one of a ball shaped end that forms an interface with the body catch and a force lever that forms an interface with the lever catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Milella, Jr., Gary Norsworthy
  • Patent number: 11674397
    Abstract: A variable stiffness damper system including an inner spring positioned between a first wall and a second wall, in which the inner spring includes a first member and a second member each coupled together at a distal end by an inner bumper. The first member and the second member are each contoured toward one another. The first member, the second member, and the inner bumper form a cavity therebetween. An outer spring is positioned between the inner spring and the first wall or the second wall. The outer spring includes a spring arm contoured toward the inner spring. The outer spring includes an outer bumper positioned between the inner bumper and the first wall or the second wall. The inner bumper and the outer bumper are selectively couplable to one another based on a load applied to the damper system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ravindra Shankar Ganiger, Praveen Sharma, Naleen Kumar Verma, Nicholas Joseph Kray
  • Patent number: 11571790
    Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of exemplars of torque-limiting devices, methods and mechanisms exemplars methods may include placing an actuator in a tool containment interface of a handle; movable mounting a tool portion with an actuation catch and a work piece engaging region (WER) in the interface; applying sufficient force to the movable mounting to the handle may be via pins, guides and slots. Said catch may be one of a body catch and a lever catch; and, the actuator terminates on one of a ball shaped end that forms and interface with the body catch and a force lever that forms an interface with the lever catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Milella, Jr., Gary Norsworthy
  • Patent number: 11326660
    Abstract: A reaction force generation unit includes an opposing member and a pressed body, which includes a base and domes, including a first dome, a second dome, and a third dome, bulging from the base. A leading end of each dome faces an opposing surface of the opposing member. When the pressing member presses the base, the leading ends of the domes move in a direction relatively close to the opposing member, where the domes become elastically deformed and cause an appropriate reaction force with respect to the handle. In a natural state where the pressed body is not subjected to any pressing force, axes of the domes are substantially parallel to each other, and acute angles formed by the axes and a normal line of the opposing surface are substantially similar to each other at a predetermined angle larger than zero degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michiko Tanoue, Ichiro Osuga
  • Patent number: 11174912
    Abstract: The present invention includes a torsion spring including a middle plate having a first attachment point displaced from the geometric center of the middle plate; a first elastomeric element secured to a first side of the middle plate and having an opening coincident with the first attachment point of the middle plate; a second elastomeric element secured to a second side of the middle plate and having an opening coincident with the first attachment point of the middle plate; a first outer plate secured to the first elastomeric element and having an opening coincident with the first attachment point of the middle plate; and a second outer plate secured to the second elastomeric element, having an opening coincident with the attachment point of the middle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Tyler Wayne Baldwin, Kyle Thomas Cravener
  • Patent number: 11035156
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door latch device comprises a locking motor; a locking rotary member that can be rotated by the locking motor; a locking mechanism comprising a mechanical element that can be shifted to an unlock state or a lock state by rotation of the locking rotary member; a releasing motor; and an electric release lever pivotally mounted to a housing via a release shaft and rotated by the releasing motor to enable an engagement mechanism to be released regardless of a state of the locking mechanism. If an entering line along which a striker enters a striker entering groove of a body to engage with the engagement mechanism is defined as a striker entering line, a case for the locking motor is positioned above the striker entering line and a case for the releasing motor is positioned below the striker entering line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Gecom Corporation
    Inventors: Cristian Damboiu, Bryan Farris
  • Patent number: 10920842
    Abstract: A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body made of foam with holes extending inwardly from an outside surface to an inside surface, wherein the tubular body comprises at least one tubular foam layer and at least one reinforcing layer applied to said foam layer over at least a part of the axial length of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ELISANA S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Willy Poppe
  • Patent number: 10907384
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door latch device comprises an engagement unit that can engage with a striker and an operating unit attached to the engagement unit. The operating unit comprises an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism comprises a locking motor; a locking mechanism comprising mechanical elements that can be shifted to an unlock state and a lock state based on drive of the locking motor; an electric release motor for releasing the opening lever regardless of a state of the locking mechanism based on drive of the releasing motor; and an inside lever that is pivotally mounted, via a first shaft, for pivotally mounting the electric release lever to a housing and is rotated based on a door opening action of the internal mechanical elements thereby releasing the opening lever, when the locking mechanism is in an unlock state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: GECOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cristian Damboiu, Bryan Farris
  • Patent number: 10765219
    Abstract: A pneumatic lounging system includes an inflatable support unit and an inflatable unit. The inflatable support unit includes an inward layer, an outward layer, and a support air nozzle. The inward layer and the outward layer define an air cavity, and the outward layer is attached to the inward layer. The support air nozzle is attached and adapted to provide direct fluid communication of air with the air cavity. The inflatable unit includes an inward wall, an outward wall, and an air nozzle. The inward wall and the outward wall define at least one air chamber, and the inward wall is attached to the outward layer. The air nozzle is adapted to provide direct fluid communication of air with one of the at least one air chamber. There is no fluid communication between the inflatable support unit and the first inflatable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: KA GROUP AG
    Inventors: Brian Cabble, Cha Xiong
  • Patent number: 10737543
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle suspension system, comprising a jounce bumper made of elastomeric thermoplastic material, having improved design to maximize energy absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: DUPONT POLYMERS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Laszlo Szekely, Damien Van Der Zyppe
  • Patent number: 10731722
    Abstract: Provided herein is a jounce bumper (18) for mounting in a vehicle suspension system (2) comprising a shock absorber (6), the jounce bumper (18) having a central bore (20) extending in an axial direction (A). The jounce bumper (18) comprises an elastically compressible bumper portion (24) comprising a plurality of convolutes stacked in an axial direction (A) of the jounce bumper (18), each convolute comprising a crest (26) and a root (28). A cross-section of the compressible portion (24) perpendicular to the axial direction (A) is non-circular, the non-circular shape being configured to provide a variable compression resistance in relation to an axial compression displacement (Cd) of the jounce bumper (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter Laszlo Szekely, Bryan Morris, Sebastien Thomasson
  • Patent number: 10611233
    Abstract: According to one embodiment a radiator support is provided that includes a support base and an elastic tubular portion which protrudes axially from the support base and is configured for housing a pin of a radiator of a vehicle. The radiator support also includes at least one stop which protrudes axially from the support base. The stop is arranged close to the tubular portion and comprises a height smaller than the height of the tubular portion with respect to the support base. The difference between the height of the tubular portion and the height of the stop, and the gap between the tubular portion and the stop are such that, in use, from a given radial deformation level of the tubular portion, the tubular portion comes into contact with the stop, increasing the rigidity of the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CIKAUTXO, S. COOP.
    Inventor: Maite Alegria Azkaiturrieta
  • Patent number: 10579786
    Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing system capable of making it difficult to be easily recognized as being a key at a glance by others. [Solution] Provided is an information processing system including a state acquisition unit configured to acquire information on a state of an object, and an authentication information acquisition unit configured to acquire authentication information corresponding to the information on the state of the object acquired by the state acquisition unit. According to such an information processing system, it is made difficult to be easily recognized as being a key at a glance by others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miwa Ichikawa, Kunihito Sawai, Yuhei Taki, Hiroyuki Mizunuma, Taizo Shirai, Koichi Sakumoto
  • Patent number: 10322656
    Abstract: A folding furniture piece including: a spring mechanism including a flange; an articulated vertebral column including multiple vertebral members arranged and operatively connected via one or more connecting members to form a flexible unit including the vertebral column and an object base; a locking mechanism located on the object base; the spring mechanism exhibiting properties such that the folding furniture piece assumes an unfolded state where both the vertebral column and spring mechanism are substantially straight to provide a closed sitting surface and, in response to a bending force, assumes a folded state where both the vertebral column and spring mechanism are curved to expose the sitting surface on which an object can rest, and where, in response to the bending force, the spring mechanism travels along the object base such that the locking mechanism operatively interlocks with the flange and the folding furniture piece remains in the folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ross Pitcole
  • Patent number: 10278507
    Abstract: A bench seat is described. The bench seat includes a primary cushion and a reconfigurable bolster. The reconfigurable bolster can include an intermediate portion and at least two arms extending from the intermediate portion. The plurality of arms can be spaced-apart laterally and adapted to receive a person leaning against the bolster. The primary cushion can include an insert depression adapted for receiving the reconfigurable bolster when the arms extend toward the primary cushion. The reconfigurable bolster can be removeably coupled to the bench seat with the arms extending toward or away from the primary cushion. The reconfigurable bolster is height adjustable. The reconfigurable bolster can be in a stored position when it is pushed down into the insert depression, and in a use position when the arms extend away from the primary cushion. The intermediate portion can be in about the same position in either position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Paul F. Nowack
  • Patent number: 10267450
    Abstract: A two-part pivotable block component for mounting interposed a piece of industrial equipment and its mounting base. The two-part pivotable block component comprises an upper first part that is engageable with the base of the industrial equipment, and a lower second part that is engageable with a mount for the industrial equipment. The first part of the pivotable block component has an inclined surface in a first plane for pivotably engaging an inclined surface provided therefore on the second part of the pivotable block component. The inclined surface of the second part of the pivotable block component is in a second plane. The two-part pivotable block component is suitable for use with industrial equipment exemplified by electrical motors, hydraulic-driven motors, pressure-driven motors, and pumps. The two-part pivotable block component is also suitable for aligning arbors cooperating with industrial equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Gary Arthur Stroud
  • Patent number: 10173650
    Abstract: A pedal with snap-fit bushing includes a pedal arm having a tubular sleeve oriented perpendicular and fixed to the pedal arm. A mounting pin is rotatably received within a tubular sleeve annular bore and extends partially beyond tubular sleeve opposed ends. A first pivot bushing is rotatably mounted to a first end of the mounting pin extending outward of the tubular sleeve. A second pivot bushing is rotatably mounted to a second end of the mounting pin extending outward of the tubular sleeve. A pedal housing includes a first wall having a first “L” shaped slot and a second wall having a second “L” shaped slot. The pivot bushings are received in a retention portion of the first and second slots to releasably retain the mounting pin and allow rotation of the pedal arm and the tubular sleeve about a rotational axis of the mounting pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLC
    Inventors: John William Harrison, Brian Edward Steakley
  • Patent number: 10167867
    Abstract: A scroll fluid machine includes fixed and orbiting scrolls which define a compression chamber; a land which divides the compression chamber into first-stage and second-stage compression chambers; a wrap groove defined in a spiral shape along a tip of a fixed wrap of the fixed scroll; an intermediate groove defined in the land; a seal member; and an intermediate seal member. The land includes a first-stage outlet in communication with the first-stage compression chamber and a second-stage inlet in communication with the second-stage compression chamber. The wrap groove includes an outer peripheral wrap groove adjacent to the land on a radially outward side and an inner peripheral wrap groove adjacent to the land on a radially inward side. The intermediate groove is in communication with the outer and inner peripheral wrap grooves. The seal member is fitted in the wrap groove except the outer and inner wrap grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: ANEST IWATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Asami, Keiya Kato, Tamotsu Fujioka
  • Patent number: 9980571
    Abstract: A lounge having a matrix mat and a plurality of modules capable of being inserted into the matrix mat. The lounge may include a frame configured as a rigid frame, a modular frame, and combinations thereof. The modular frame may further include a tri-cable suspension. The tri-cable suspension may be attached to a dilator retractor mechanism. The modules may be a mushroom cap module, a spider spring module, a web module, a lighting module, an electronics module, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Donald J. Molenda
  • Patent number: 9936978
    Abstract: An anchoring element for a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae, with which a bone or vertebra can be connected to a rod-shaped element is described. By providing for at least one degree of rotational freedom between the rod and an anchoring element that is firmly connected to the bone or vertebra, the transfer of torque (M) onto the anchoring element and can be prevented as well as loosening or even separation of the bone anchoring element from the bone or vertebra. Moreover, the invention provides a stabilization device, in which such bone anchoring elements are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Jürgen Harms, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 9790691
    Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floor systems are described herein. A floor tile system includes a modular floor tile and a plurality of resilient support assemblies. The modular floor tile includes a top surface layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of rigid support portions extending from the bottom surface. The resilient support assemblies are supported against the bottom surface and include an outer resilient support portion having a hollow interior, and an inner resilient support portion positioned centrally relative to the outer resilient support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SNAPSPORTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr., Jeremiah D. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 9770620
    Abstract: A torsion pivot device including an elastic element having an axis in a longitudinal direction is described. Two or more pivot structures may be engaged with separate portions of the elastic element along the axis to allow the pivot structures to exert torque force to the separate portions of the elastic element. An axial guide mechanism may be defined through the elastic element substantially along the axis. The pivot structures may be rotatably coupled with the elastic element via the axial guide mechanism to allow the pivot structures to pivot or rotate relative to each other around the axis. The elastic element may be deformed by the torque force via the pivoting or rotation of the pivot structures. Twisting tension may be induced by the deformed elastic element to counter the torque force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Willy Wei Yu Ho
  • Patent number: 9764612
    Abstract: A damper absorbs energy generated between a first component and a second component. The second component is spaced from and moveable toward the first component along a jounce axis. The damper includes a body having a ring-shaped configuration. The body also includes a first edge for engaging the first component and a second edge for engaging the second component. The second edge is spaced from the first edge. The body defines a plurality of holes spaced about the body. The plurality of holes are configured to allow the damper to compress axially for energy as one of the first and second components move along the jounce axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Sadiq Al-Dahhan, Albert Langen
  • Patent number: 9744823
    Abstract: A rear axle arrangement for a motor vehicle is disclosed having two independent wheel suspension systems with in each case at least two links and a wheel support. The links producing a connection between the vehicle body and the wheel support and being coupled at their ends in a relatively movable manner via elastic bearings. In the case of static wheel loading, the wheels of the rear axle exhibiting toe-in, which rear axle arrangement is distinguished by at least one elastic bearing of a link having a frequency-dependent bearing stiffness in such a way that, in the case of driving straight ahead and high-frequency dynamic wheel loading, a change into toe-out takes place on account of an increasing bearing stiffness of the bearing and the wheel is pressed into negative camber as a result of the change into toe-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Rodscha Drabon, Peter Koczar
  • Patent number: 9655651
    Abstract: A dynamic spine stabilizer moves under the control of spinal motion providing increased mechanical support within a central zone corresponding substantially to the neutral zone of the injured spine. The dynamic spine stabilizer includes a support assembly and a resistance assembly associated with the support assembly. The resistance assembly generates greater increase in mechanical force during movement within the central zone and lesser increase in mechanical force during movement beyond the central zone. A method for using the stabilizer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Manohar M. Panjabi
  • Patent number: 9562582
    Abstract: A compressible spring includes a substantially solid body defining a central axis and manufactured from an elastomeric material. A substantially solid abutment upstands axially on one end of the substantially solid body. There is also a lip that is disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis. An axial bore may be provided extending through the thicknesses of the body and abutment. Furthermore, a plate shape member may be provided that is mechanically secured to the substantially solid body during the forming process, wherein the abutment is passed through a central aperture in the rigid member and wherein the lip cages a thickness portion of the rigid member around the central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Sprainis, Peter Gregar
  • Patent number: 9499022
    Abstract: An auxiliary rubber spring for an automobile suspension, comprising: N layers of metal partitions, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1, and a transverse section of each metal partition being arc-shaped; N+1 rubber layers, the rubber layers being alternately lapped with the metal partitions, and a transversal section of each rubber layer being arc-shaped; a supporting plate provided with a first convex arc surface on one side thereof, the first convex arc surface being bonded to a first concave arc surface of an outermost rubber layer; and a connecting plate provided with a second concave arc surface on one thereof, the second concave arc surface being bonded to a second convex arc surface of another outermost rubber layer. The auxiliary rubber spring for an automobile suspension according to the present invention may increase fatigue resistance of the rubber spring and effectively extend service life thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: AVIC BEIJING INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICAL MATERIALS
    Inventors: Gaolin Pei, Liangqing Lai, Gaosheng Chen, Honggang Jiang, Chunchao Tu, Zhian Mi, Jia Liu, Jinghe Wang, Zhengtao Su
  • Patent number: 9499023
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insulator for a suspension device having a coil spring and a spring seat for supporting the coil spring. The insulator is provided between the coil spring and the spring seat and comprises at least an annular seat groove in which a coil end of the coil spring is seated. The insulator comprises at least an adjustment recess formed in the insulator along the seat groove so as to open at a wall surface of the insulator where the seat groove opens. The adjustment recess is configured to allow the seat groove to be deformed to increase a radial groove width between inner and outer edge ends of the seat groove when the coil end enters into the seat groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Itsuji, Tomohito Enomoto
  • Patent number: 9476475
    Abstract: A polymer spring has a hollow tubular polymer body, wherein the first end portion of the body, the second end portion of the body, and the mid-portion of the body together substantially maintain an annular cylindrical column structure throughout the length of the body from the first end portion of the body to the second end portion of the body, such that the mid-portion of the body has a substantial portion that is in direct alignment with the first end portion of the body and the second end portion of the body when the spring is compressed to eliminate or reduce the chances of the spring failing caused by the spring folding or buckling and to reduce material fatigue in the polymer spring associated with folding or buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: PENNSY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manuel Tavares, Michael J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9416837
    Abstract: A compression spring assembly can include a compression spring core and a compression spring shell that can be assembled onto the compression spring core. The compression spring core can include a core body with an outer core wall. The compression spring shell can include a shell body having an inner shell wall. The compression spring shell can be supported on the compression spring core such that the inner shell wall extends along at least a portion of the outer core wall. A method of manufacturing a compression spring assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jakob B Cagle, Albert Steven Phillips
  • Patent number: 9320543
    Abstract: A posterior dynamic spinal stabilization device utilizing a spinal rod, a fixed anchor, a mobile anchor adapted for both translation and pivoting, a mobile anchor-limiting stop affixed to the rod and an optional bumper-type, a rod with at least one limiting stop. It allows predetermined and prescribed interpedicular motion. It allows the use of traditional pedicle screw-rod placement techniques in a flexible system possessing many treatment options using familiar components that are familiar to the surgeon, and can be used on multiple levels (especially to top off) and can transition loads by limiting displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Fanger, Missoum Moumene
  • Patent number: 9282828
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan, Teng-an Chang
  • Patent number: 9221374
    Abstract: A spring for a vehicle seat comprising a foam body having an outer surface and a plurality of outwardly-extending walls defining a plurality of recesses, wherein top and bottom surfaces of the foam body are operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the plurality of recesses are vertically compressed and the top surface rotates a predetermined distance relative to the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kolich, Lorne Joseph Lovelace, Michael Hulway
  • Patent number: 9193238
    Abstract: A striker compresses a bumper of a jounce bumper assembly. The striker includes a contact surface configured to face the bumper of the jounce bumper assembly. The striker also includes at least one ridge extending from the contact surface. The at least one ridge is engageable with the bumper for minimizing radial expansion of the bumper at the contact surface as the bumper is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventor: Sadiq Al-Dahhan
  • Patent number: 9127737
    Abstract: A spring wall for securement between associated end members for forming an associated gas spring assembly includes a first wall portion that extends axially along a longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The first wall portion is formed from an unreinforced elastomeric material, and the first wall portion has a first nominal stiffness value. A second wall portion extends along the longitudinal axis and circumferentially thereabout. The second wall portion is disposed in longitudinal relation to the first wall portion and has a second nominal stiffness value that is different from the first nominal stiffness value of the first wall portion such that a non-constant stiffness profile is established along a longitudinal length of the spring wall. A gas spring and a gas spring and reservoir assembly utilizing such a spring wall as well as a method of manufacturing a gas spring are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Leonard, Pradipta N. Moulik
  • Patent number: 9080627
    Abstract: A damper hole having a large-diameter section is formed inside a body which is made of metal. A flange which fits in the large-diameter section is formed in a damper which is made of rubber and is received in the damper hole. The flange defines a cushion chamber in the large-diameter section. A gap for letting air restrictively discharge from the cushion chamber is formed between an outer periphery of the flange and an inner periphery of the large-diameter section. Motion energy of a moving object colliding with the damper is absorbed by both elasticity produced by the compressed damper and an air cushion effect produced by the flange and the cushion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichirou Ishibashi, Seiji Takanashi, Motohiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20150145192
    Abstract: A spring element that includes a spring body that is at least chiefly formed from an elastomer, wherein at least one reinforcement fibre is embedded into the elastomer. The at least one reinforcement fibre has an arcuate course in a non-loaded condition of the spring element, so that the spring element has a non-linear spring characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Dominik Laveuve, Paul Becker
  • Publication number: 20150069687
    Abstract: A variable stiffness spring is provided that includes a dielectric diaphragm having a biaxially pre-strained film, where the dielectric diaphragm includes an out-of-plane stiffness at zero voltage, a first electrode disposed on a first side of the dielectric diaphragm and a second electrode disposed on a second side of the dielectric diaphragm, where the out-of-plain stiffness is relaxed by an applied voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Sanjay K. Dastoor, Mark R. Cutkosky
  • Patent number: 8967337
    Abstract: A device for preventing the hook, or a similar attachment element, mounted at the free extremity of a winch cable to contact the winch or associated related structures is disclosed. The device is mounted to the winch cable, typically near or adjacent to the hook and comprises a resilient member or cushion configured to resiliently absorb over-tension in the cable and/or hook when the cable is wound on the shaft of the winch. The device therefore generally prevents damaging contacts between the hook and the winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kimpex Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Senecal
  • Patent number: 8931767
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an elasticity adjustment structure of physical training device which comprise one elastomer adjustment set; said elastomer adjustment set further comprises one first elastomer and one second elastomer. Overlapping the said second elastomer and said first elastomer with different rigidities at different depth positions to create a smooth elastic curve of said elastomer adjustment set; as a result the elasticity of said elasticity adjustment structure may be adjusted in accordance with different needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Ton-Ki Fu, Tung-Chien Fu
  • Publication number: 20150001774
    Abstract: A compression spring assembly can include a compression spring core and a compression spring shell that can be assembled onto the compression spring core. The compression spring core can include a core body with an outer core wall. The compression spring shell can include a shell body having an inner shell wall. The compression spring shell can be supported on the compression spring core such that the inner shell wall extends along at least a portion of the outer core wall. A method of manufacturing a compression spring assembly is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jakob B Cagle, Albert Steven Phillips
  • Patent number: 8919750
    Abstract: Cushioning elements having a top cushioning surface and a bottom base surface include an elastomeric cushion member and a stabilizing material. The elastomeric cushion member includes a first plurality of interconnected buckling walls having a first mean height and a second plurality of buckling walls having a second mean height. Each buckling wall of the second plurality intersects and connects to at least two buckling walls of the first plurality. A surface of the stabilizing material on a side thereof opposite the elastomeric cushion member defines the bottom base surface of the cushioning element. The first ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls and the first ends of the second plurality of buckling walls define the top cushioning surface of the cushioning element. Methods of forming cushioning elements include securing a stabilizing material to ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Edizone, LLC
    Inventors: Tony M. Pearce, Russell B. Whatcott
  • Publication number: 20140374976
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing a microcellular polyurethane elastomer by reacting naphthalene diisocyanate with a polyol to prepare a prepolymer containing an isocyanate (NCO) group, followed by mixing the prepared polyurethane prepolymer with a plasticizer, water, an emulsifier and the like, and then foaming the prepolymer blend to prepare a polyurethane elastomer, wherein the emulsifier is a mixture of (a) a compound selected from the group consisting of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, 2,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4?-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,4?-cyclohexane diisocyanate and mixtures thereof, and (b) a C2-10 hydrocarbon having a molecular weight of 500 or less with two to four hydroxyl groups, or mixtures thereof. The method of the invention can optimize the viscosity and properties of the prepolymer resulting from the reaction of naphthalene diisocyanate with a polyol, thus improving processability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Jae Soo Yang, Hee Young Choi, Jeongmoo Kim, Joon Mo Lee
  • Patent number: 8899563
    Abstract: A flexible volumetric structure has a first spring that defines a three-dimensional volume and includes a serpentine structure elongatable and compressible along a length thereof. A second spring is coupled to at least one outboard edge region of the first spring. The second spring is a sheet-like structure capable of elongation along an in-plane dimension thereof. The second spring is oriented such that its in-plane dimension is aligned with the length of the first spring's serpentine structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Christopher M. Cagle, Robin W. Schlecht
  • Publication number: 20140346750
    Abstract: The present application provides a rubber spring, including a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, the first mounting plate having a first V-shaped plate with an opening angle larger than 90°, and the second mounting plate having a second V-shaped plate with an opening angle larger than 90°; and a plurality of rubber layers arranged between the first V-shaped plate and the second V-shaped plate, wherein each two adjacent rubber layers are separated by an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate is a V-shaped plate with an opening angle larger than 90°, and openings of the first V-shaped plate, the second mounting plate and the intermediate plate are facing the same direction. The present application further provides a rubber suspension system and a truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (China Corporation)
    Inventors: Jianxun LIU, Bo ZOU, Chunjie GUO, Lihua PENG, Mingzhu WU, Min AI, Haibing ZHONG, Yaxin ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8876092
    Abstract: A mounting assembly comprising an inner mounting sleeve having a cylindrical shank, wherein an end of the mounting sleeve is configured to be mounted to a support structure of a motorized device. The assembly comprises an inner grommet having a cylindrical shank, an axial opening of the inner grommet shank configured to accommodate the mounting sleeve shank there-through. The assembly comprises an outer ring sleeve having a cylindrical shank, the outer ring sleeve disposed around a portion of the inner grommet shank, the outer ring sleeve shank configured to accommodate an eyelet of a mounting arm there-around. The assembly comprises an outer grommet having a cylindrical shank, an axial opening of the outer grommet shank configured to accommodate the inner grommet shank there-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Wojcieson
  • Patent number: 8857800
    Abstract: A tank rubber cushion for providing a vibration-damping support of a fuel tank against a vehicle body, including two divided rubber cylinders inserted onto an inner axial member having flanges at both axial ends and to be inserted through a mounting hole formed in a support portion of the fuel tank. Each of the divided rubber cylinders is provided with an axial vibration-damping rubber portion arranged between opposing surfaces of the flange of the inner axial member and the support portion in an axial direction, and a transaxial vibration-damping rubber portion arranged between opposing surfaces of the inner axial member and the support portion in a transaxial direction. The transaxial vibration-damping rubber portion includes a concave/convex portion wherein a diameter varies in a circumferential direction so that an assembly can be made with a gap between the inner axial member and the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuya Kawachi, Hideki Maehashi, Takashi Furusawa, Jun Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140298679
    Abstract: A foot or shoe-borne apparatus comprises a spacer and spring assembly that can be oriented in two orientations. In the first orientation, the assembly is under the sole of a user's foot or shoe such that the assembly acts against the ground for enhanced locomotion for that foot or shoe. In the second orientation, the assembly is positioned away from the sole of the foot or shoe, thereby enabling ordinary use of that foot or shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Riccardo Brun del Re