Abstract: A swing drive mechanism is provided for use with infant's and child's swings. The swing drive mechanism provides an input mechanism, an output mechanism, and a torsion spring member disposed between the input mechanism and the output mechanism. The torsion spring member includes a first portion and a second portion that interact together to produce a desirable spring gradient while also reducing the overall length of the torsion spring member. The torsion spring member is secured into attachment with the input mechanism by a novel securement mechanism. The output mechanism includes an axle and a drive flange. Preferably, the features of the input mechanism, the output mechanism, and each portion of the torsion spring member are integrally formed.

Abstract: A rotary flexure is designed to exhibit very high radial and axial stiffness and to exhibit virtually no movement in its center of rotation. The flexure, which is formed from a single billet of material, includes an outer ring from which three thin flexure blades extend. The flexure blades extend toward the centerpoint of the rotary flexure, where they join to form a centerpiece. Three lobes also join at the centerpiece, one between each pair of flexure blades. The lobes extend toward the outer ring, and are free to rotate about the pivot axis with respect to the outer ring and the flexure blades. During rotation, the pivot axis exhibits virtually no movement.

Abstract: An adjustable torsion damper has a mount which is divided in the longitudinal direction thereof into two submounts made of a material conductive to magnetism. Located between the two submounts is a portion nonconductive to magnetism. The mount is provided at an upper end thereof and a lower end thereof with a first round hole and a second round hole. The first round hole runs between the submounts. A magnetic block is rotatably disposed in the first round hole. A rotary shaft is rotatably disposed in the second round hole. The rotary shaft is made of a material conductive to magnetism. The value of torsional moment of the rotary shaft changes along with the magnetic block in motion.

Abstract: The device serves for storing energy. A spatial work range is defined by a displacement path upon compression of at least one spring of the spring storage. Along the work range in the working direction, at least two springs are arranged which are impinged in temporal succession upon compression and relaxation, respectively. For impinging the springs, at least one stationary retaining element and a mobile runner are provided. A spring loaded at a first point of time is immobilized in such a way that during a further displacement of the runner no further force is exerted by this spring between runner and retaining element. Reactivation of the immobilized springs is provided in temporal succession upon a reverse movement of the runner.

Abstract: A spring module having a shaft movable in first and second directions and a biasing element for urging the shaft into a normal position upon loss of power. The spring module also includes motion limiting means for limiting the deenergization of the biasing element and a speed reduction apparatus intercoupling the motion limiting means and the shaft. The biasing element is energized upon movement of the shaft in the second direction and deenergized by shaft movement in the first direction. Similarly, the motion limiting means are coupled to the shaft for movement in third and fourth directions. The speed reduction apparatus moves the motion limiting means at a slower rate in the third and fourth directions than the shaft moves in the first and second directions.

Abstract: To make a metal torsion bar having an elongate central body connected to two hexagonal end heads via shoulders, the ends of a torsion bar blank are initially upset while hot so as to form the shoulders of the torsion bar together with cylindrical head blanks, after which each head blank is machined by removing material until the corresponding hexagonal head has been obtained.

Abstract: A mechanism for assisting the movement of a deck lid of a vehicle includes a transverse torsion bar centrally formed with a central segment oriented perpendicularly to the transverse dimension. A connecting link is pivotably engaged with the central segment and with the deck lid, to establish, along with the central segment, an articulating link interconnecting the torsion and the deck lid. The torsion bar includes left and right torsion elements that are mirror images of each other, with each torsion element including a respective outboard segment that is affixed to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digging implement such as a mining shovel dipper which has a body, a movable door mounted with respect to the body and a mechanism for retarding swinging movement of the door. The mechanism includes first and second housings and plural retarding discs compressed between the housings. In the improvement, a resilient member is interposed between the first housing and the discs. And most preferably, a separate resilient member is interposed between each housing, respectively, and the discs. The thickness of each resilient member is selected in view of the aggregate thickness of the discs and the number of resilient members if more than one such member is used. A highly preferred resilient member is an elastomeric washer. The new retarding mechanism substantially extends the time period between mechanism adjustments and results in improved machine productivity.

Abstract: A torsion bar has a torsion bar arm and a torsion bar back connected thereto in one piece. Successive longitudinal sections are provided with different cross-sections. Consequently, a permissible maximal tension is not exceeded at any point and a relative weight optimum is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is a hinge system for attaching a hinged element to a base forming a hinged unit. The hinge system includes first and second torsion rods fixed to the hinged element and to the base proximate such that the first and second torsion rods are deflected as the hinged element is rotated relative to the base producing first and second torsion forces. The first and second torsion forces prevent the hinged element from twisting as the hinged element is rotated relative to the base. A friction element is connected between the base and the hinged element for offering resistance to the relative rotation of the base and the hinged element.

Abstract: A torsionally reacting spring, such as a helical spring, a torsion bar, or a torsion tube, requires the ability to torsionally deform elastically during service and return to its original, undeformed shape. The torsionally reacting spring is made of a bulk-deforming amorphous alloy which may be cooled from the melt at a cooling rate of less than about 500.degree. C. per second, yet retain an amorphous structure. A preferred bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy has a composition, in atomic percent, of from about 45 to about 67 percent total of zirconium plus titanium, from about 10 to about 35 percent beryllium, and from about 10 to about 38 percent total of copper plus nickel, plus incidental impurities, the total of the percentages being 100 atomic percent.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes an internally mounted circuit substrate (110) having a surface (111) with mounted electrical components (130), including a flat switch (132) having a direction of actuation (201) substantially perpendicular to the surface. The electronic device (100) includes an actuator button (150) with an externally accessible user interface portion (151) and an internally positioned actuator member (155). The actuator member (155) is pivotable from a first position adjacent to the switch (132), to a second position engaging and actuating the switch (132) when the user interface portion (151) is depressed. Preferably, the actuator button (150) is attached to a device housing member (121, 122) using an integrally formed shaft (180) that provides a spring bias return force for the button (150) when depressed.

Abstract: A mechanism for assisting the movement of a deck lid of a vehicle includes a transverse torsion bar centrally formed with a bight segment. A roller is rollably engaged with the bight segment, and the ends of the torsion bar are affixed to the body of the vehicle. A ratchet track is affixed to the deck lid, with the ratchet track including a plurality of longitudinally spaced detents for releasably receiving the roller therein as the deck lid is moved. The torsion bar assists a person in raising the deck lid, with the cooperation between the ratchet track and torsion bar tending to hold the deck lid in positions that are intermediate the fully open and fully closed positions when the person releases the deck lid.

Abstract: In a mounting arrangement for a torsion bar of a torsion bar vehicle wheel suspension wherein the torsion bar is mounted at its one end to a cross link of a vehicle wheel suspension the other end of the torsion bar is connected to a mounting shoe which is engaged with the vehicle chassis only by the torque forces transmitted through the torsion bar.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper with an essentially cup-shaped hub ring made of metallic material, an annular casing and a rotating ring. The hub ring and annular casing and the rotating ring are spaced from one another by a radial clearance and are joined in a torsionally flexible manner by a spring element made of elastomeric material. The spring element is arranged in the opening formed by the clearance. The casing of the hub ring is provided at least radially externally with an adhering first coating made of thermosetting plastic, which coating may have a pulley-type of surface profiling. The first coating may be reinforced with fibers for dimensional stability, and the second coating may expand and contract with temperature variations to ensure constant prestressing in the spring element.

Abstract: A supporting member in a conventional seat device is supported only by torsion bar arm portions positioned at right and left sides of the device. Accordingly, when a large biased load acts on the device, a sufficient roll rigidity is not obtained and both arm portions at the right and left sides rotate simultaneously. Interference with the supporting panel, cushion frame or the like may also occur. Accordingly, a seat pad supporting member supported by a cushion frame provided on a floor is elastically supported on at least one of the front and rear portions thereof to a torsion frame by a torsion bar. The torsion bar is latched, at the torsion bar torque bar portion side, to the cushion frame side. The torsion arm portion side, moreover, is latched to the right and left sides. Finally, the torsion bar arm portion, on both sides, is connected to a connecting member.

Abstract: This is a shock- and/or vibration-damping mount (9) between a first and snd mass. It comprises a substantially straight cable comprising a plurality of multiwire strands, the cable comprising at least one portion (25) having a bulged middle part (26) forming a central cavity (27).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsion bar assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system. The torsion bar is elongated and has axially adjacent sections, one section being more rigid than the other. A protruding bracket is fixed to the torsion bar proximate the meeting point between two sections of the torsion bar. A stop is fixed to the vehicle and disposed to engage the protruding bracket when torsional forces acting on the torsion bar exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: An economic and efficient method for providing an inner constrained layer damping system to a tubular structure by inserting an inner damping tube that has been substantially slit along its length at several places around its circumference and then wrapped in a viscoelastic tape to cover the slits, or just plain tape to just cover the slits, with a viscoelastic layer thereupon with the tape inserted within and coextensively along the inside of the outer structural beam to be damped, and with the space between the two filled with a replicating material such as epoxy, cement grout, rubber, or other pourable or injectable material, which must have high shear damping properties if the latter tape-just- covering-the-slit option is used, to couple in shear the outer structural beam to the inner slit damping tube and cause shear strains to be transmitted across the viscoelastic boundary between the two tubes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hinge strap assembly including a torque rod spring assembly having a torque rod. The torque rod has a pair of end portions connected by a convoluted portion. The convoluted portion has a plurality of legs connected by at least one U-shaped bight portion. A slider block and/or pivot block may be clampingly mounted on the convoluted portion to vary the stiffness of the torque rod spring assembly. The hinge strap assembly may include a hinge box, a hinge strap and a single convoluted torque rod which connects therebetween. Alternatively, the hinge strap may be boxless having a hinge strap and a torque rod upon which the hinge strap is pivotally mounted. An end of the torque rod may be directly affixed to the rear shelf thereby eliminating the conventional hinge box. An insert may be used to pivotally mount the torque rod within the hinge strap.

Abstract: In the method, a reed (3) for a weaving machine is continuously driven from a drive means (2) and the kinetic energy of the reed is stored in order to reduce the drive energy. The apparatus comprises an energy storer (1) and a drive means (2) in order to move the reed (3) back and forth. The matched oscillatable system formed by the energy storer and the reed reduces the drive torque at the uniformly rotating drive means whereby a reduction of the power consumption results.

Abstract: A door brake assembly (20) to control the closing of a dipper door (11) on a shovel dipper (10) has a torsion bar (39) connected to the dipper door (11) by links (15, 32). A lever (48) on the other end of the torsion bar (39) selectively engages spaced snubbers (57, 58) to provide a braking (or damping) action to the dipper door (11) in the last portion of its travel to the open or closed position. The torsion bar (39) is mounted in journals (23, 24, 43, 44) on a base (22) mounted on the dipper (10). Usually, each dipper door (11) is provided with a pair of the brake assemblies (20) mounted in mirror image.

Abstract: An adjustable elastomer bias device includes a base member (metal or rigid plastic) having plural receptacles for receiving one end of each of a like plurality of bendable, resilient, elastomer rods. An index member is included in the device; the index member has plural rod guide passages and each elastomer rod passes through one guide passage so that the index member can slide longitudinally along the rods, toward and away from the base member. The index member is anchored at one of several displacement distances from the base member to change the effective stiffness (bias) of the rods. The index member may be rotated for torsional bias or moved laterally for linear bias to effect a further bias adjustment; a retainer holds the additional bias adjustment. The bias force of the device results from bending of the elastomer rods.

Abstract: A suspension adjuster apparatus (48) suitable for use in a motor vehicle having a torsion spring (30) interposed and connecting a chassis (10) to a chassis member (14) is described. The suspension adjuster (48) includes an adjuster seat (66) and an elastomeric pad (68) disposed between the adjuster seat (66) and the chassis member (14). The adjuster apparatus (48) preloads the torsion spring (30) to provide a predetermined ride height while reducing the vibrations transmitted from the suspension to the chassis and passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A foundation spring module especially adapted for easy assembly in an interlocking spring and grid bedding foundation structure has a short generally vertical section which extends down from an interlockable wire grid-engaging horizontal top portion to position an upper end of each of two contiguous legs of the spring away from the area of intersection of the top portion and legs of the spring with the wire grid to greatly ease manipulation and assembly of the spring into the interlocked position in the wire grid of the foundation structure.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device generally comprises a shaft supported by a fixed element, such as the base of a housing of a geared motor, this shaft being rotatable around an axis by a reduction gear system and connecting rod assembly; an angle damping device is disposed between the fixed element and the shaft. According to the invention, the angle damping device comprises at least one elastic washer axially compressed along the axis of the shaft. The axial compression of the elastic washer is controlled by a cam having a variety of angular sectors for moving axially along the shaft.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite springs having a unidirectional fiber wind. The present invention is a cylindrical torsion bar, or a helical tension or compression spring having a core that is either unreinforced or axial-fiber reinforced, and a continuous-fiber-reinforced composite cladding having most or all of its fibers helically arrayed around the core. The core may be solid or hollow. The sense of the helical winding is that which places the fibers in tension when the spring is used as intended. A fiber winding helix angle of approximately 55.degree. is used with a weak and unreinforced core, while larger or smaller helix angles are used only with a cores having sufficient stiffness to resist axial-normal stress. By carefully selecting the materials for the core and cladding, as well as utilizing a fiber winding helix angle appropriate to the application, significant advantages over prior art springs are realized in energy per-unit-volume, energy per-unit-weight, and spring velocity.

Abstract: A bearing comprising an inner support ring and an outer support ring surrounding and radially displaced from the inner support ring is disclosed. The support rings are supported on each other in a radially elastic manner by an intermediate ring made of at least three web elements made of rubber-elastic material, which are uniformly distributed over the circumference of the rings and which are fastened along holding surfaces to the support rings. The holding surface on the side facing the inner support ring is connected to the holding surface on the side of each web element facing the outer support ring by an imaginary line which intersects the central region of their circumferential extent and which forms with a radial plane intersecting the line an angle A of between 15.degree.-75.degree..

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal torsion bar for vehicle suspension, including a straight central part which has a circular cross-section, the central part extending longitudinally between two fixing heads suitable for being rigidly fixed to other mechanical members, the torsion bar being work-hardened by pretwisting and at least the central part of the torsion bar having an annular cross-section. According to the invention, the cross-section of the central part has a radially outside plasticized zone, which has been deformed plastically by the pretwisting, and a radially inside elastic zone, which has been deformed elastically by the pretwisting, the cross-section of the central part of the torsion bar having a total area S and the plasticized zone having an area Sp such that their ratio Sp/S is at least equal to 0.5 and at most equal to 0.6.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper having a substantially cup-shaped hub ring made from deep drawn sheet metal. The base of the hub ring has at least one orifice for mounting the damper to a machine part subject to torsional vibrations, the hub ring being joined by at least one spring element made of an elastomeric material - in a manner allowing relative rotation - to at least one inertial ring. The base is provided with an annular centering collar, extending in the axial direction, which fits around the outer periphery of the machine part in partial contact. The centering collar and the base are configured integrally and continuously with one another.

Abstract: In a torsion spring the spring action is a result of the relationships between the torque applied in twisting the spring, the angle through which the torsion spring twists, and the modulus of elasticity of the spring material in shear. Torsion springs employed industrially have been strips, rods, or bars, generally termed shafts, capable of being flexed by twisting about their axes. They rely on the variations in shearing forces to furnish an internal restoring torque. In the torsion springs herein the restoring torque is external, and therefore independent of the shearing modulus of elasticity the torsion spring shaft. Also provided herein is a variable stiffness torsion spring. This torsion spring can be so adjusted as to have a given spring constant. Such variable stiffness torsion springs are extremely useful in gimballed payloads such as sensors, telescopes and electronic devices on such platforms as a space shuttle, a space station.

Abstract: An adjustable elastomer torsion device includes a base member aligned in partially nested relation with a resilient elastomer (e.g. rubber or urethane resin) torsion member; parts of the base member and the torsion member overlap each other and an extension portion of the torsion member projects beyond the base member. The base member and the torsion member are interlocked, where they overlap each other, to prevent relative twisting between them, but the interlock does not interfere with twisting of the torsion member extension. An adjustment mechanism provides for adjustment of the positions of the base and torsion members relative to each other to vary the length of the extension portion of the torsion member over a given displacement length and thereby adjust the elastomeric, resilient torsional restoration force (torsional resistance) of the device within a predetermined force range.

Abstract: Outrigger structures are useful for supporting and stabilizing a work machine while the work machine is operating. When the work machine is in operation dirt and other debris can fall onto the moveable components of the outrigger structure thus a guard mechanism must be provided. The subject outrigger structure includes a guard member which is pivotally mounted to the top of the outrigger structure and is spring biased toward a pivotal leg member to cover a portion of the moveable components to prevent accumulation of debris on the moveable components to reduce wear on the outrigger structure. This arrangement of components provides a guard member which moves with the leg member to always maintain the guard member in position to cover the moveable components.

Abstract: A constant force mechanism includes a base (410), a load arm (414) pivotally connected to the base at one end, a spring arm (412) pivotally connected to the base at one end with a torsion spring (416), and a pinch roller (420) for rotationally and translationally connecting the load arm to the spring arm, wherein a load is applied to the load arm end (424) opposite the end connected to the base.

Abstract: A shock absorbing suspension comprises a pair of parallel, spaced mounting plates (12), pairs of counter-rotating D-frames (13). Pair of frames is slidably attached to the inner side of the mounting plate 12' by two grippers 14 of the mounting plate 12 by two grippers 19. Resistance mechanism (65 and 66) are mounted on each gripper for substantially resisting the rotation of each individual frame in one direction only, such that the suspension will substantially resist being compacted together, but can be freely extended apart. In one application, the bottom mounting plate is attached to the ground, while the top mounting plate is attached to and supports a building. When at rest, the resistance mechanisms will provide enough resistance to allow the suspension to support the building without being compacted. When the ground jolts upwardly in an earthquake, the suspension will be compacted to absorb the upward motion of the ground. But, when the ground jolts downwardly, the suspension will freely extend.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor (10) includes a spindle (22), a ratchet wheel (30) and a locking pawl (44). The locking pawl (44) is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which it blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel (30) and the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) is moved into its engaged position in response to a predetermined amount of rotation of the spindle (22) in the unwinding direction. The locking pawl (44) moves back to its disengaged position in response to rotation of the spindle (22) in an unwinding direction. The retractor (10) further includes a torsion spring (210) and a leaf spring (250) acting in series between the spindle (22) and the locking pawl (44).

Abstract: The pressure balanced torsion system is for use in a backrest and the like. The system has a plurality of torsion action assemblies. Each assembly consists of a pair of pressure bearing plates mounted at the free ends of a torsion spring. The torsion spring is pivotally mounted to a rigid support plate which forms the back plate of the backrest. When a body rests against the backrest, the counter reactive force generated by the assembly causes both pressure bearing plates to push back against the body until the torsion is balanced, thus providing a uniform support to the body.

Abstract: A shock absorbing suspension comprises a pair of parallel, spaced mounting plates (12), two pairs of counterrotating D-frames (13), and two connecting bars (11). Each pair of frames is slidably attached to the inner side of one of the mounting plates by two grippers (14). The scissoring connecting bars are disposed between the pairs of frames to link the frames together. A resistance mechanism (65) is mounted on each gripper for substantially resisting the rotation of each individual frame in one direction only, such that the suspension will substantially resist being compacted together, but can be freely extended apart. In one application, the bottom mounting plate is attached to the ground, while the top mounting plate is attached to and supports a building. When at rest, the resistance mechanisms will provide enough resistance to allow the suspension to support the building without being compacted.

Abstract: A spring hinge between panels of a satellite panel array comprises a plurality of serially joined known flexural pivots of the type having two cylindrical members with tongues from each extending into the other joined by a flat spring. One panel has an abutment for limiting the rotation of the next panel with respect thereto such that the spring hinge remains partially stressed when the panels are deployed. In another embodiment, two pluralities of serially joined pivots act in parallel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spring joint having two holding bodies. The spring joint is fixedly attached to a base at one of the holding bodies. The second holding body is provided for the attachment of a component which is intended to undergo a pivot movement relative to the base during operation. A spring element acts as a connecting body between the two holding bodies. A stop is mounted on the spring joint so that the spring joint can be used again after impact loads or intermittent vibration. This stop includes at least one stop body which limits the movement range of the spring body in the spring joint for radial and axial load to the elastic range.

Abstract: A torsional spring 10 includes an outer cylinder 12 connected to a central hub 14 through a series of elastomeric spokes 16-30. The elastomeric spokes 16-30 extend from the inner periphery of the cylinder 12 to the hub 14 substantially along a line tangential to the central hub 14. Further, each of the elastomeric spokes 16-30 includes first and second radial segments wherein the first radial segment is adjacent the hub 14 and has an elastic modulus that is lower than the second radial segment.

Abstract: In the field of viscoelastic dampers, a new strut design comprises a viscoelastic material sandwiched between multiple layers, some of which layers bear and dampen load force. In one embodiment, the layers are composite plies of opposing orientation. In another embodiment, the strut utilizes a viscoelastic layer sandwiched between V-shaped composite plies. In a third embodiment, a viscoelastic layer is sandwiched between sine-shaped plies. Strut strength is equal to or greater than conventional aluminum struts due to the unique high interlaminar shear ply design.

Abstract: A suspension device for an automobile with stoppers that are protrudingly provided in an intermediate portion of a torsion bar, and stopper bearings provided on the inner surface of a cover mounted on the torsion bar to be in contact with the stoppers when the torsion bar is twisted by a prescribed amount, thereby changing the spring constant when the stoppers come into contact with the stopper bearings, while a portion between an engaging portion and the stoppers is rendered smaller in thickness than the remaining portion between the engaging portion and an end provided with no stoppers, thereby providing an increased spring constant. The position of engagement between the cover and the engaging portion is rendered adjustable along the torsional direction, to harmonize comfortableness and operation stability of the automobile.

Abstract: A resilient rotational bias device that is continuously adjustable to supply any preselected rotational bias force to a shaft, within a wide range, by rotation of a multi-step shaft retention member, usually a gear, by a simple drive such as a worm gear that engages the shaft retention member; the shaft retention member an the drive are mounted in a housing that is affixed to one end of a resilient torsion member, the other end of the torsion member being affixed to a stationary frame. All elements of the device other than the torsion member, but including a connector for connecting the shaft retention member to the end of a biased shaft, are mounted in the housing. All elements of the device, except a drive shaft for th worm gear, are usually formed of the same molding resin, preferably polyurethane.

Abstract: A rotary compressor comprising a cylindrical chamber, a vane slidably mounted in the peripheral cylinder wall and a torsion spring to bias the vane into contact with an eccentrically mounted roller. The spring includes an elongated central portion and a pair of arms extending from the central portion in parallel planes. The arms are curved or radiused in opposite directions. The central portion is connected to the outer edge of the vane while the ends of the arms are connected to opposite side of the cylinder so that the arms exert a torsional force on the central portion.

Abstract: A tube received about a twisted rope torsion bar prevents buckling of the latter and also acts to increase the spring rate.

Abstract: A spring given elasticity by way of elastic portions formed between slits which are provided on a base material of, e.g. solid cylindrical shape, cylindrical pipe shape, etc. The slits are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the base material at different phase angles. They are arranged along the length of the material and parallel to each other. The elastic portions are disposed at different pitches along the length so that some of them have different elasticity from the others. The elasticity between some portions and the others may be varied by way of changing an inner diameter of a through hole formed in the spring. Thereby the spring has non-linear elasticity characteristics. The spring may have a through hole and a line of slit spirally extending about the axis and communicating with the through hole. A line of elastic portion is defined by the slit and also extends spirally about the axis of the spring. The width of the elastic portion is changed along the axis of the spring.

Abstract: A torsional spring to be secured non-rotating to mutually rotating components at each end. At least two thin-walled piping sections are positioned loosely coaxial and secured together non-rotating at one end, accordingly functioning as a series of resilient sections. There are means of securing them non-rotating to the mutually rotating components at the other end. The spring especially constitutes a torsion bar for a connecting rod that pivots in a bearing mounted stationary in a vehicle and positions either a running wheel or a caterpillar cogwheel at the end remote from the bearing. The piping sections are integrated into each other such that one merges directly into the other at the end where they are secured together non-rotating in a turnback that represents a transition point. The piping sections are preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic and may have several layers.

Abstract: An improved resilient torsion arrangement. The torsion arrangement is comprised of a wire-like body member having an upper portion formed in a first predetermined open geometrical configuration, a transverse portion extending across the first predetermined open geometrical configuration, and a lower portion having a second predetermined open geometrical configuration. The upper portion and the lower portion are resiliently movable toward, or away from, each other to put the transverse portion into torsion. The torsion in the transverse portion provides the resilient force resisting movement of the upper portion toward the lower portion. Proper selection of the relationships between the upper portion and the lower portion and configuration of the transverse portion can provide predetermined relationships between the force required to move the upper portion toward, and away from, the lower portion and the separation between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut having a spiral bore cooperatively receiving and positively engaging the outer contour of the torsion bar. The grooves of the spiral hole promote holding contact between the anchor nut and the torsion bar but allow relative movement to minimize stress build-up; a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material is preferred for fabrication of the torsion bar. A thrust stop is provided to prevent the nut from being forced off the end of the torsion bar in response to axial forces created by the sliding movement of the torsion bar within the spiral bore. The thrust stop is made of elastomeric material and is integrally molded onto the end of the torsion bar. The thrust stop has a tapered body to cooperatively engage with a tapered opening in the anchor nut.